January 2017 Trail Dispatch

Ice Age Trail AllianceChippewa Moraine Chapter

Ice Age Trail Dispatch

January 2017

Midwinter Greetings From Along The IAT!

Chippewa Moraine Master Plan Open House

The DNR is having an Open House at the Obey Interpretive Center from 4-7 PM this Tuesday, January 17. The purpose is to provide information about the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area Master Plan, now undergoing revision. DNR staff will share information about the upcoming planning process and public participation opportunities, and hear what issues the public would like to see included in the plan review. You will be able to see maps and information about the property, and have a chance to talk with agency representatives at the open house.

This is just a stage in the planning process, and no revised plan has been developed for presentation. Rather, it is for gathering concerns and ideas from the public about what should be included in the master plan, which will guide how the park is developed and used in the coming years.

A questionnaire will be offered, as well as copies of the property analysis and participation plan.

Our next chapter meeting will be held at 6:30 PM Monday, March 20 at the Chippewa Falls Public Library. Special guest Dan Watson, IAT Volunteer Coordinator at the National Park Service in Madison will be on hand to provide some updated training on handling medical emergencies and making the trip to the medical facility pain-free as far as the paperwork is concerned. He’ll review any questions we have on managing safety in the field, and then provide an overview of some of experiences with the National Park Service including his experiences fighting forest fires in the west. It should be an interesting meeting and another opportunity to remember that we are all volunteers with the National Park Service, which celebrated its centennial last year.

Midwinter on the Trail

There is snow, and it may be cold, but the trail is a grand place to visit in winter. The contours of the landscape are displayed in sharp relief and viewed as at no other time of year. The interesting wildlife tracks and signs are also a source of fascination. The shadows, glitter, and patterns of the low sun skittering across the snow make for compelling camera shots. Perhaps it is the incredible stillness and the freshness of the air that is most awesome. Whatever the reason, don’t miss an opportunity to get out on the trail this winter.

You can borrow snowshoes at the Obey Interpretive Center (phone ahead to make sure they have some available). Stop in (Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM to 4 PM) and warm up, check in with the snakes, update yourself on the maps and exhibits, or ask questions. While you are there, check out the Ice Age Trail Shop for the shirts, hats, patches, and guidebooks you need.

Where to Find IATA and Chapter Event Information

The go-to place to find current information about all our chapter events and IATA events everywhere is the calendar at the IATA website, www.iceagetrail.org. The Calendar link is at the upper right corner of the page, or bookmark www.iceagetrail.org/events/. To find our chapter-specific events, either choose Chippewa Moraine from the dropdown menu under Event Category and click the “Find Events” button, or just bookmark this button ⬇︎